Morecambe boss Bentley: We could have had a third penalty at Cheltenham

Jim Bentley exchanges views with referee Tim Robinson at Cheltenham.

Published:12:16Monday 19 January 2015

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Jim Bentley felt his side could have had a third penalty in their dramatic 1-1 draw at Whaddon Road on Friday night.

There were three spot kicks on the night with Liverpool loanee Jack Dunn giving Cheltenham the lead before Jamie Devitt missed and Padraig Amond scored for the Shrimps.

Bentley however also felt that Tim Robinson could have blown for a foul on Paul Mullin as he followed in Trevor Carson’s save from Devitt’s effort from 12 yards.

The Shrimps boss said: “There were three penalties and we could have easily had another one.

“It’s a big call by the referee to give any penalty at any time but I think when we missed the first one through Devs and it popped out I thought there was a blatant foul on Paul Mullin.

“It would have been a massive shout for the ref to give another penalty but I thought it was.

“Referees have got a really difficult job though.”

On a topsy-turvy night The Shrimps ultimately drew for the third straight game as their unbeaten run moved to four games. Bentley reserved particular praise for Andreas Arestidou who pulled off two fine stops to keep the visitors in the game when they trailed 1-0.

The Shrimps boss said: “I thought we started quite well in difficult conditions.

“They’ve got the penalty and took it and we’ve gone in 1-0 down which we didn’t really deserve to be.

“We started quite well in the second half but after that we were indecisive at the back.

“But Andreas has come in, filling big boots in Barry Roche and Scott Davies, and at 1-0 down away from home he’s pulled off two great saves.

“It’s a big turning point and I’m made up for him because he’s come in and hasn’t conceded a goal from open play in two games.

“We kept plugging away and got the penalty but (Trevor) Carson’s made a great save and it falls six yards out to Devs and you think he’ll burst the net.

“He hits the post and you’re in the dugout thinking here we go again.

“But to be fair we kept going and thankfully got the second penalty and Padraig Amond’s put it away.

“I’m pleased that we gave the fans who travelled on a Friday night something to shout about.”